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Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jun 2024Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are congenital anomalies of the anorectum and the genitourinary system that result in a broad spectrum of hindgut anomalies. Despite...
BACKGROUND
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are congenital anomalies of the anorectum and the genitourinary system that result in a broad spectrum of hindgut anomalies. Despite surgical correction patients continue to have late postoperative genitourinary and colorectal dysfunction that have significant impact on quality of life.
AIM
This paper will review the current evidence and discuss the evaluation and management of postoperative patients with ARMs who present with persistent defecation disorder.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE/EMBASE databases applying the following terms: ARMs, imperforate anus, constipation, faecal incontinence, neurogenic bowel, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty.
RESULTS
Patients who present with postoperative defecation disorders require timely diagnostic and surgical evaluation for anatomic abnormalities prior to initiation of bowel management. Goals of management are to avoid constipation in young children, achieve faecal continence in early childhood and facilitate independence in older children and adolescents. Treatment options vary from high dose stimulant laxatives to high-volume retrograde and antegrade enemas that facilitate mechanical colonic emptying.
CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate diagnostic work-up and implementation of treatment can decrease long-term morbidity and improve quality of life in postoperative patients with ARMs who presents with defecation disorders.
PubMed: 38924569
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17897 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jun 2024The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, formed from the midgut and hindgut, encompasses the colon, rectum and anal canal.
BACKGROUND
The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, formed from the midgut and hindgut, encompasses the colon, rectum and anal canal.
AIM
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the lower GI tract.
METHODS
Literature review on anatomy and physiology of the lower GI tract, including normal motility and phases of defecation. It derives its blood supply from the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries while it is innervated by the extrinsic autonomic (the thoracolumbar and sacral nerves) and the intrinsic enteric nervous system. The colon has four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and serosa. The anal canal ends in the internal and external anal sphincters (EASs) involved in continence and defecation. The lower GI tract is predominantly involved in digestion, absorption, defecation and protection. Defecation is a complex process that requires inter-neural (enteric and autonomic nervous systems), neurohormonal and neuromuscular coordination. It has four phases which include basal, pre-expulsive, expulsive and end phase. High-propagating contractions in the colon propel stool to the rectum leading to rectal distention and the recruitment of the recto-anal inhibitory reflex. Once able, the EAS, under full conscious control, is then relaxed allowing stool to be evacuated. Other defecation reflexes include the gastrocolic, gastroileal and coloanal reflexes.
CONCLUSIONS
Recent advances provide novel techniques to investigate motility patterns including high-resolution manometry protocols with automated assessments, magnetic resonance imaging techniques for defecography, wireless motility capsules and fecobionics.
PubMed: 38924125
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17900 -
European Journal of Pediatrics Jun 2024Painful defecation, the passage of hard stools, unpleasant or irregular bowel deviation/movements from regular rate, and/or the feeling of not enough elimination of...
Effect of adding telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment on the symptoms and the quality of life in children with functional constipation: a randomized controlled trial.
UNLABELLED
Painful defecation, the passage of hard stools, unpleasant or irregular bowel deviation/movements from regular rate, and/or the feeling of not enough elimination of stool are common symptoms of functional constipation. The goals in treating constipation are to produce soft, painless stools and to prevent the re-accumulation of feces. This study looked at how the telerehabilitation home program (TRP) affected the symptoms of FC and the children who were constipated in terms of their quality of life. A randomized controlled trial included 400 children aging 4-18 years with functional constipation distributed in two groups: control group consisted of 200 children receiving pharmaceutical treatment and the intervention group consisted of 200 children receiving the telerehabilitation home program in addition to pharmaceutical treatment. Both groups received the interventions for 6 months. The outcomes in terms of functional constipation symptoms and quality of life are measured and compared pre- and post-interventions. Adding the telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment of functional constipation in children results in prominent improvement in the condition; there is a significant difference between the intervention and control group in all Rome criteria which assess symptoms of functional constipation except rush to the bath-room to poop which showed non-significant difference; there is also a significant difference between the intervention and control group in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire which assess quality of life except the mental health domain which showed non-significant difference.
CONCLUSION
Adding the telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment of functional constipation in children results in prominent improvement in symptoms of functional constipation and quality of life.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Our study was registered retrospectively with Clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT06207721 on 5 January 2024.
WHAT IS KNOWN
• Painful defecation, passage of hard stools, unpleasant or irregular bowel movements, feeling of incomplete stool elimination are common symptoms of functional constipation. • Goals in treating constipation include producing soft, painless stools and preventing re-accumulation of feces.
WHAT IS NEW
• Adding telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment resulted in significant improvement in functional constipation symptoms and quality of life. • Significant differences between intervention group (200 children receiving telerehabilitation home program in addition to pharmaceutical treatment) and control group (200 children receiving pharmaceutical treatment) were observed in all Rome criteria except for rush to the bathroom to poop, and in all domains of SF36 questionnaire except for the mental health domain.
PubMed: 38922435
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05639-8 -
Archives of Environmental Contamination... Jun 2024Environmental stressors in aquatic organisms can be assessed using a bioenergetic approach based on the evaluation of changes in their physiological parameters. We...
Environmental stressors in aquatic organisms can be assessed using a bioenergetic approach based on the evaluation of changes in their physiological parameters. We evaluated the chronic effects of cadmium (Cd) on the energy balance as well as the survival, growth, metabolism, nitrogen excretion, hepatosomatic index, oxidized energy substrate, and osmoregulation of the shrimp Penaeus vannamei with the hypothesis that the high energy demand related to the homeostatic regulation of Cdcould disrupt the energy balance and as a consequence, their physiological functions. The shrimp exposed to Cd had higher mortality (30%), directed more energy into growth (33% of energy intake), ingested 10% more energy, and defecated less than control animals. Cd exposure caused a tendency to decrease metabolism and ammonia excretion but did not alter the hepatosomatic index, type of energy substrate oxidized, and the hyperosmorregulatory pattern of the species. The Cd exposure may have induced a trade-off response because there was a growth rate increase accompanied by increased mortality.
PubMed: 38922419
DOI: 10.1007/s00244-024-01074-w -
Techniques in Coloproctology Jun 2024Patient selection is extremely important in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and rectal prolapse (RP) surgery. This study assessed factors that guided the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Analysis of factors that indicated surgery in 400 patients submitted to a complete diagnostic workup for obstructed defecation syndrome and rectal prolapse using a supervised machine learning algorithm.
BACKGROUND
Patient selection is extremely important in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and rectal prolapse (RP) surgery. This study assessed factors that guided the indications for ODS and RP surgery and their specific role in our decision-making process using a machine learning approach.
METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of a long-term prospective observational study on female patients reporting symptoms of ODS who underwent a complete diagnostic workup from January 2010 to December 2021 at an academic tertiary referral center. Clinical, defecographic, and other functional tests data were assessed. A supervised machine learning algorithm using a classification tree model was performed and tested.
RESULTS
A total of 400 patients were included. The factors associated with a significantly higher probability of undergoing surgery were follows: as symptoms, perineal splinting, anal or vaginal self-digitations, sensation of external RP, episodes of fecal incontinence and soiling; as physical examination features, evidence of internal and external RP, rectocele, enterocele, or anterior/middle pelvic organs prolapse; as defecographic findings, intra-anal and external RP, rectocele, incomplete rectocele emptying, enterocele, cystocele, and colpo-hysterocele. Surgery was less indicated in patients with dyssynergia, severe anxiety and depression. All these factors were included in a supervised machine learning algorithm. The model showed high accuracy on the test dataset (79%, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms assessment and physical examination proved to be fundamental, but other functional tests should also be considered. By adopting a machine learning model in further ODS and RP centers, indications for surgery could be more easily and reliably identified and shared.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Rectal Prolapse; Retrospective Studies; Constipation; Aged; Supervised Machine Learning; Syndrome; Defecation; Adult; Prospective Studies; Defecography; Patient Selection; Algorithms; Clinical Decision-Making
PubMed: 38918256
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-024-02951-1 -
Current Status and Role of Artificial Intelligence in Anorectal Diseases and Pelvic Floor Disorders.JSLS : Journal of the Society of... 2024Anorectal diseases and pelvic floor disorders are prevalent among the general population. Patients may present with overlapping symptoms, delaying diagnosis, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Anorectal diseases and pelvic floor disorders are prevalent among the general population. Patients may present with overlapping symptoms, delaying diagnosis, and lowering quality of life. Treating physicians encounter numerous challenges attributed to the complex nature of pelvic anatomy, limitations of diagnostic techniques, and lack of available resources. This article is an overview of the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling the difficulties of managing benign anorectal disorders and pelvic floor disorders.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched the PubMed database to identify all potentially relevant studies published from January 2000 to August 2023. Search queries were built using the following terms: AI, machine learning, deep learning, benign anorectal disease, pelvic floor disorder, fecal incontinence, obstructive defecation, anal fistula, rectal prolapse, and anorectal manometry. Malignant anorectal articles and abstracts were excluded. Data from selected articles were analyzed.
RESULTS
139 articles were found, 15 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common AI module was convolutional neural network. researchers were able to develop AI modules to optimize imaging studies for pelvis, fistula, and abscess anatomy, facilitated anorectal manometry interpretation, and improved high-definition anoscope use. None of the modules were validated in an external cohort.
CONCLUSION
There is potential for AI to enhance the management of pelvic floor and benign anorectal diseases. Ongoing research necessitates the use of multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration between physicians and AI programmers to tackle pressing challenges.
Topics: Humans; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Artificial Intelligence; Rectal Diseases; Anus Diseases; Manometry; Fecal Incontinence
PubMed: 38910957
DOI: 10.4293/JSLS.2024.00007 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024There has been extensive research conducted on open defecation in Ethiopia, but a notable gap persists in comprehensively understanding the spatial variation and...
INTRODUCTION
There has been extensive research conducted on open defecation in Ethiopia, but a notable gap persists in comprehensively understanding the spatial variation and predictors at the household level. This study utilizes data from the 2021 Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia (PMA-ET) to address this gap by identifying hotspots and predictors of open defecation. Employing geographically weighted regression analysis, it goes beyond traditional models to account for spatial heterogeneity, offering a nuanced understanding of geographical variations in open defecation prevalence and its determinants. This research pinpoints hotspot areas and significant predictors, aiding policymakers and practitioners in tailoring interventions effectively. It not only fills the knowledge gap in Ethiopia but also informs global sanitation initiatives.
METHODS
The study comprised a total weighted sample of 24,747 household participants. ArcGIS version 10.7 and SaT Scan version 9.6 were used to handle mapping, hotspots, ordinary least squares, Bernoulli model analysis, and Spatial regression. Bernoulli-based model was used to analyze the purely spatial cluster detection of open defecation at the household level in Ethiopia. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) analysis and geographically weighted regression analysis were employed to assess the association between an open defecation and explanatory variables.
RESULTS
The spatial distribution of open defecation at the household level exhibited clustering (global Moran's I index value of 4.540385, coupled with a p-value of less than 0.001), with significant hotspots identified in Amhara, Afar, Harari, and parts of Dire Dawa. Spatial analysis using Kuldorff's Scan identified six clusters, with four showing statistical significance (P-value < 0.05) in Amhara, Afar, Harari, Tigray, and southwest Ethiopia. In the geographically weighted regression model, being male [coefficient = 0.87, P-value < 0.05] and having no media exposure (not watching TV or listening to the radio) [coefficient = 0.47, P-value < 0.05] emerged as statistically significant predictors of household-level open defecation in Ethiopia.
CONCLUSION
The study revealed that open defecation at the household level in Ethiopia varies across the regions, with significant hotspots identified in Amhara, Afar, Harari, and parts of Dire Dawa. Geographically weighted regression analysis highlights male participants lacking media exposure as substantial predictors of open defecation. Targeted interventions in Ethiopia should improve media exposure among males in hotspot regions, tailored sanitation programs, and region-specific awareness campaigns. Collaboration with local communities is crucial.
Topics: Ethiopia; Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Defecation; Sanitation; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Spatial Regression; Spatial Analysis; Family Characteristics; Toilet Facilities; Adolescent
PubMed: 38910246
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19222-1 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by the presence of persistent cholestatic jaundice during the neonatal period. This group of patients is at higher risk for liver...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by the presence of persistent cholestatic jaundice during the neonatal period. This group of patients is at higher risk for liver disease and/or portal hypertension compared with other chronic liver diseases.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a newborn patient who had biliary stools early postnatally, but her gallbladder was not seen on radiological examination and was referred to our clinic. On examination, polysplenia was seen, and the inferior vena cava was not seen. The patient's stool color changed to a creamy stool without bile three weeks postnatally. The neonate was diagnosed with biliary atresia and splenic malformation (BASM) syndrome. The patient underwent a Kasai portoenterostomy in the 3rd week of age and was preoperatively diagnosed with malrotation and treated with a Ladd procedure at the same time. The patient had a postoperative stool with bile and decreased bilirubinemia with a normal defecation period.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
BASM syndrome, clinically has different causes and a worse prognosis than isolated BA. The syndrome can lead to end-stage cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. Although timely Kasai surgery is the standard treatment for BA, the age of the patient at the time of the surgery is different depending on BA groups.
CONCLUSION
The most important prognostic factors for BASM syndrome are early diagnosis and treatment. Despite this, the patients need careful follow-up. Postoperative adjuvant steroid therapy may have a good impact on the outcomes.
PubMed: 38909387
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109937 -
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County,... May 2024Street children are poverty-stricken and have insufficient money to meet their daily nutritional requirements. They do not have a proper place to sleep and defecate....
BACKGROUND
Street children are poverty-stricken and have insufficient money to meet their daily nutritional requirements. They do not have a proper place to sleep and defecate. They sleep at traffic signals, in religious places, and on footpaths. This exposes them to pollution, dirt, and other pathogens.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to measure the nutritional status of street children in Delhi using Z-scores and Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF).
METHODS
Anthropometric measurements are direct methods of measuring the nutritional status of humans. Anthropometric indicators such as underweight (weight-for-age), stunting (height-for-age) and BMI/wasting (weight-for-height) are used to measure the nutritional status of street children. Z-scores and CIAF are calculated for street children based on the WHO 2009 reference.
RESULTS
According to Z-scores, stunting (56%) is the most common anthropometric failure among street children followed by underweight (31%) and wasting (19%). According to the CIAF, 63% of street children are malnourished, where stunting (37%) is the highest single burden of anthropometric failure, followed by wasting (3%) and underweight (1%); children suffering from the double burden of anthropometric failure are 9%, and children suffering from the triple burden of anthropometric failure (i.e., wasting, stunting, and underweight) are 13%.
CONCLUSION
A high incidence of stunting points to poor quality of food and suggests prolonged nutrition deficiency among street children. The Z-score or conventional measures of anthropometry underestimate the total burden of malnutrition among street children, while CIAF provides an estimation of children with single-burden, double-burden, and triple-burden malnutrition or total burden of malnutrition.
PubMed: 38905910
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112487 -
JA Clinical Reports Jun 2024Hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrullinuria (HHH) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder associated with a high risk of exacerbation of...
BACKGROUND
Hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrullinuria (HHH) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder associated with a high risk of exacerbation of hyperammonemia during the perioperative period. Here, we describe an adult patient with HHH syndrome who developed hyperammonemic encephalopathy secondary to postoperative constipation.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 52-year-old patient with HHH syndrome underwent intrathecal baclofen pump insertion for lower limb spasticity under general anesthesia. The surgery was uneventful, without any increase in serum ammonia levels. However, after surgery, he was constipated, and on postoperative day (POD) 3, he fell into a coma with an exacerbation of hyperammonemia (894 µg/dL). After administering a glycerin enema, he defecated, leading to a rapid decrease in serum ammonia levels to 165 µg/dL. He regained consciousness, and serum ammonia levels remained stable as long as he defecated.
CONCLUSIONS
We suggest strict management of defecation during the perioperative period to prevent hyperammonemia in patients with HHH syndrome.
PubMed: 38904738
DOI: 10.1186/s40981-024-00726-z